What should I do if Mom is uncomfortable in all diapers?

We went through a similar issue. My Grandmother HATED everything we tried. We finally switched to Always Discreet, and she says they're so soft that you can't even tell they're a diaper. They just feel like regular cotton underwear.



Something you might want to do, is also add a little baby powder in it, and on her inner thighs. It will help absorb any extra moister, and help keep them from rubbing and causing a rash.

Has she said what, exactly, is uncomfortable? If they are chafing around the legs you can snip the elastic to give a little more room there and relieve sore spots, they will be more prone to leaking though.

Has anyone checked for rash or yeast infections? That could be a discomfort that she attributes to the diapers but can be relieved with treatment.

It could just be the constant contact with the bleached materials that they are made from, I know back before menopause I sometimes found menstrual pads irritating, but thankfully only needed those a few days a month. Constant exposure would mean never ending irritation :(

I've joked with my mom that we used to put the babies bare butts outside for fresh air ;) ... could your mom go a few hours or even overnight with just absorbent pads beneath her?

There are inconvenience
Products available on-line
That are not sold in stores, such as disposables delivered.com

Perhaps the reason she is compllaing now and didn't
Before is that she has regained her ability to express her discomfort
As she slowly recovers from a stroke;

I would question if her sitting in one position is causing irritation to one particular place. Is she able to describe where it bothers her?

I have experienced irritation with a pad before, but, I have extra sensitive skin. Maybe, your mom does too. I agree that I'd keep trying new products, but, also try giving her a rest from the diaper for at least a couple of hours per day, a couple of times per week. Even if means using some inexpensive cloth panties with a protection pad underneath. Sometimes, the down time from the pad really heals the sore spot pretty quickly. I'd try to find the softest diaper possible. I'm afraid, I don't know much about the brands though.

Thank you everyone. I so appreciate the input. Fortunately, I don't have to go "south" just yet!! She has an aide 24/7 and has had nurses visiting this week (to assess for Medicaid, etc) and have checked her out from head to toe. No sores, no infections. She was OK today in the diapers (which she calls "tighty whities"). She still refuses to sit in the wheelchair because she says her butt hurts. It could be just muscle/bone soreness. I don't know. She has started a very low dose of an antidepressant. Hopefully that will help with her sudden refusal to sit in the wheelchair ever.

My mom loved her Miracle Bamboo cushion for her wheelchair. It really relieved the pressure sore she had on her tailbone. Just a thought.

Hi xinabess,
My Mother Had to wear a diaper 24-7 and we found that putting a kotex pad onto the back of the diaper where the elastic is stopped the elastic cutting into her back and waist and she was much more comfortable.I sure hope you find something that works for you all soon.Take care! Lu

cwillie has some incredible insight - you can have your mother checked for a yeast infection. that would make a grown-man cry too.

I have a "cooling sheet" that has a leak-proof lining on top of the couch and chair just for safety.

Upon advice from my dad [dr/surgeon], we have been using a cream that is Rx for hemrhoids for all issues [cuts, sores, burns, insect bites] including diaper rash but then we use a silicone barrier cream over it - ask dr for a Rx as it has a local anesthetic that sooths too

Your mom may find the bulkiness is part of problem just watch the difference how a 2 year old walks with & without diapers on - if you could get her to verbalize what it is that bothers her then you might be able to go forward - however you may need to do some prompting - good luck

Sorry, I would not use baby powder in diapers. I wouldn't use it where there are creases. It tends to clump when moisture hits it and can cause irritation. Cornstarch maybe better.